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www.Accordion-YellowPages.com Future Events - Cyberspace

All concert, competition and festival organizers are reminded to list their Future Events in our yellow pages website. Its free to list and you can do it yourself. You can also change and update your listing yourself as further information becomes available.

The accordion yellow pages Future Events calendar displays at the top right hand side of this Weekly News of accordions.com in all 7 languages plus other popular sites such as the USA News and the Diatonic News.

Huge numbers of readers every year view the accordion yellow pages Future Events, so all accordion event organizers are urged to take full advantage of this free service to keep the accordion community informed.

Sata-Häme Soi Accordion Festival, Ikaalinen - Finland

The 39th international Sata-Häme Soi Accordion Festival will take place in Ikaalinen, from June 28th until July 3rd 2011. The Finnish Accordion Folk Musician Championship Competition for Diatonic Accordions was held 29 June, and a full report with photos is at Sata-Häme Soi.

KEN SWEENEY Concertina - New England/USA

Ken has been drawn to old and traditional songs and tunes since childhood. Playing harmonica since age 18, five-string banjo following a few years later, along with guitar and finally acquiring an English concertina a decade later - the object of interest that started it all - he has been actively playing and performing one thing or another since 1970.

Travelling extensively by thumb, boxcar, motorcycle, and homemade canoe since the age of thirteen (and still at it) and living in numerous rustic and out-of-the-way places has given Ken a unique understanding of the lifestyles of which he sings, and a first-hand sense of the regional and cultural nuances in the tunes he plays.

Don't call Ken a scholar, or an academic, or an historian - he holds no degrees, has written no books, and can't remember names and dates; he's just a guy who lets the music and song lead the way to grand adventure, and delights in sharing it.

Ken has been an educator and chanteyman at Mystic Seaport Museum for much of the past twenty years.

....."A native New Englander, Ken first heard sea chanteys as a child listening to his parents' record player and later found to his delight that he had a knack for rendering those tunes on the harmonica. He sings and plays traditional music on diatonic and chromatic harmonica, five-string banjo, and guitar, and has been performing at New England Contra dances, pubs, folk festivals, and concert stages for more than 20 years. After several appearances at the Sea Music Festival, he took on seasonal duties as a chanteyman. Ken has been described by fellow musicians as a consummate harmonica player." Ken can be found playing banjo, concertina, and harmonica on the CD "Tapping the Tradition."

For next events - pls contact Ken under: kntna@yahoo.com

Organetti - Gara - Italia

William (Wim) Wakker, Craftsman Concertina Maker Now US Citizen - USA

Wakker, a Dutch classical musician-turned instrument maker is now a US Citizen. The Valleyford, Washington State musician is known around the world for the custom-made concertinas he builds by hand. There are perhaps only five true concertina makers in the world, William Wakker says. His concertinas are not only made in America, but as of last Tuesday when he became an American citizen, “it’s truly American-made”.

For the past three years since moving to the USA, the Dutch-born Wakker has been making concertinas in his Valleyford home with his wife, Karen, a native of Spokane Valley.

A former concert musician and teacher who received a graduate degree at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam, Wakker taught and did postgraduate work at the University of Denver where he met Karen. He studied theoretical design and 19th-century free-reed instruments, including the concertina, until one day he took a leap.

“I decided I was going to learn to make and restore those instruments myself,” Wakker said.

When he says there are only five concertina makers in the world, Wakker is talking about craftsmen who make all the pieces of the instrument, including the focal steel reeds, honed to hundredths of an inch.

“You have to be able to work on small objects and you have to be able to hear the harmonics on top of the note,” Wakker said.

Wakker has been involved in concertina instrument design and manufacture. From 2003-2009 he designed and started production of the Jackie/Jack, Rochelle and Elise (hybrid) entry level concertinas. In 2004 he started Wakker Concertinas (hand made) concertinas. In 2010 Wakker started the production of the Clover and Peacock, intermediate level (hybrid) concertinas.

Festivals, Competitions, Masterclasses/Seminars/Stages, Reports etc.

Hamilton Folk Arts Festival - Canada

The oldest and biggest Canada Day Festival in Canada organized by Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council and 4,000 dedicated volunteers. For the past 40 years, this event has attracted thousands and thousands of visitors.This 40th edition of the Festival will be celebrating Canada's 144 th Birthday for four fun-filled days, from June 30th to July 3 rd, 2011 in Gage Park, Hamilton. Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council was founded in 1969. We are a Hamilton-based non-profit organization committed to the nurturing and promotion of ethnic awareness, and diverse cultural heritage throughout Canada.

OBJECTIVES • To co-ordinate the efforts of all ethnic organizations and interested individuals in developing Canada's Folk Arts and Heritage.• To preserve the Folk Arts heritage and traditions of the people of Canada.• To educate and outreach students as well as the general public by implementing various cultural, folk arts, and heritage programs.• To benefit the community at large by organizing special cultural events, educaitonal workshops and seminars, as well as exhibitions.• To foster the creative expression of folk arts.• To provide the opportunity for an exchange among the various cultures; thereby promoting knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures. 6 Stages of Entertainment, RONA’s West Coast Lumberjack Show, Foods of the World, Over 150 Arts & Crafts Booths, Midway,Bingo, Canada Bubbles - Walk on Water, Canada Day Flag Raising Ceremonies, Folkloric Dance & Choral Groups,Canada Day Baby Contest, Karaoke, Ontario Youth Talent Search, Molson Beer Garden, Big Bear Mini Putt, IYF Spelling Bee,

9 Luglio 2011 a VERRES (AO) - Italia

Used Bandoneon Shortage - Argentina

There are complaints that foreign tourists with bulging wallets are buying up bandoneons as collectors items.

"In a few years, there will be no more bandoneons in our country," said Oscar Fischer, who heads La Casa del Bandoneon. A specialist in these instruments, Fischer has a workshop in Buenos Aires.

Horacio Ferrer, President of Argentina's National Tango Academy said - "I've known people who have 10 or 12 bandoneons, but don't play them," he said.

Because of the current exchange rates, antique instruments in Argentina are usually cheaper than in Europe and other countries. The current peso exchange rate means that new bandoneons from Europe are very expensive relative to incomes in Argentina.

Fischer said that "When the Second World War began, we had 60,000 bandoneons in Argentina. There are now only 20,000 of them left," and “only 2,000 remain in very good shape and with their original pieces."

Argentinian Congresswoman Alicia Comelli (picture right) introduced a law aimed at protecting the Bandoneon that was passed in 2009 but is still awaiting the decree so the law can take effect. "The bandoneon is part of Argentina's culture. We must protect this heritage," she said.

Under the bandoneon law, the government would be able to seize an instrument subject to a sale if it ever belonged to a well-known musician or if it is more than 40 years old. A national register of bandoneons would also be created and the instruments would be barred from leaving the country.

Another way, is being tried at the National University of Lanus. They have a plan to manufacture bandoneons at an affordable price. A prototype is nearly ready for testing and the production will not seek to make a profit.

Gooikoorts Folk Festival - Belgium

Gooikoorts is a yearly international festival that focuses on folk music at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. The festival stands for a high quality musical programme alongside an atmosphere of cosiness and enjoyment. At Gooikoorts folk music lovers embark on a fascinating voyage full of exciting experiences. An original and highly distinctive programme truly stands for genuine musical quality. The purpose is to show both talented young players and confirmed artists from this area and from far away countries, from Canada to Ukraine.

Gooikoorts has become a three-day international traditional music festival. In 2009 18 bands from 11 different countries including Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Portugal, Poland, England, Schotland, France and Québec performed on three stages. The instrument builders fair has space for 30 exhibitors and is the meeting place par excellence for any folk musician. 19 initiations in a variety of musical traditions from many countries are organised. A whole range of children entertainment is always provided at the festival area. On Sunday morning the village mass will be enhanced by artists taking part in the Gooikoorts festival. The 2011 program is full with bands from all over Europe playing exciting and unique traditional folk music concerts.Information: www.gooikoorts.be Email: Patrick Lichtert patrick.lichtert[at]gooikoorts.be

Macedonian Pearl Folk Seminar 2011 - USA

Instrument classes are on private or semi-private basis, and should be arranged with the individual teachers. Music students: please indicate on your registration form if you can read music notation, or if you will learn by ear.

In addition to the regular daily schedule of classes and evening parties, some special events and trips are planned!!!! EVERY PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE FROM THE MACEDONIAN PEARL FOLK SEMINAR EVERY NIGHT: LIVE MUSIC PARTY (Macedonian traditional instruments: kaval, gajda, tambura, tapan, zurla)

Kastav (CRO), Summer Festival – Istria/Croatia

7.5.2011. - 26.8.2011 This oldest summer festival in the Kvarner region dates back to the early 1990s, 1992 to be exact. It was then that a group of enthusiasts, led by Milivoj Jelovica who today is honorary president of the Society, organized the first Summer, which included a drama programme by local playwrights and performers. The excellent public reception led to the organization of a larger festival the following year and, since “three’s a charm”, in 1994, the programme was further expanded to include drama, art and exhibits and classical and popular music. From year to year, the content, quality and quantity of the summer festival keeps growing and growing and, with the participation of numerous foreign performers, the festival has taken on an international character. To date, excellent artists have come from all over the world: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Holland, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, United States and the United Kingdom.

BRIAN PETERS /Masterclasses/Concert in July - UK

Traditional songs and music from England with squeezeboxes and guitar - traditional folk music combined in a high level of skill on three different instruments with a great voice and an energetic stage presence. He's a leading English squeezebox player, doubling on melodeon (button accordion) and anglo concertina, a fine guitarist well-versed in open tunings, and a passionate singer who can convey drama or emotion, while his carefully-constructed accompaniments blend adventure and sophistication. Described as "One of British folk music's finest ambassadors", Brian started out in the folk clubs of England and has taken his performances to stages all over the world, touring regularly in Europe and America, and always retaining a deep commitment to the musical traditions of his native country.

XIX Viljandi Folk Music Festival - Estonia

The theme of XIX Viljandi Folk Music Festival which takes place on July 28-31 is "Rhythm and Pulse" through which the organisers hope to create a bond stronger than ever before between the performers and the audiences.

Viljandi Folk Music Festival

Similarly to the previous years, the programme of the festival taking place on July 28-31 includes more than 70 concerts plus tens of performances on the Green Stage and on the dance floor. In addition to that, everyone is invited to attend the workshops, night university, runo song nest, fairytale chamber, instrument fair, handicraft yard and film sessions.

The Head of the Programme, Tarmo Noormaa, reminded everyone that the organisers of Viljandi Folk Music Festival do not usually label any of the performers as the headliners of the festival. "Throughout the years, our audiences have proven to be very professional and curious and that is why we want the guests to have a lot of freedom in their choices. However, one thing is certain - many exotic and engaging rhythms will be heard," he said.

Among the internationally well-known performers, the Head of the Programme brought out Trilok Gurtu, a percussion player and composer from Kashmir. He was one of the first Indian musicians who managed to break into the West with his ability to mix the music from his homeland with jazz and fusion. The solo performances of Trilok Gurtu are famous for being spectacular and inspiring and widening the audience's concept of drum playing and the world of rhythm as such.

In addition to that, summery Viljandi will also host the Swedish traditional music pioneer and legend Hedningarna who was the first in the world to mix Scandinavian traditional music with rock and electronic and acoustic instruments. Hedningarna has brought traditional music into the clubs and stadium stages and has appeared in different pop music charts. "Their modern sound language has inspired many other musicians," added Tarmo Noormaa. The last time Hedningarna performed in Estonia was in 1997 and their fan base in Estonia has been growing ever since.

In addition to the performers mentioned already, performers of the festival include Snaarmaarwaar from Belgium, Ensemble Sahnbehzadeh from Iran, Chveneburebi from Georgia, Oreka Tx from the Basque County, Reveillons from Quebec, Cissokho System from Senegal, Auli from Latvia and Sergei Starostin's family band from Russia.

Future events / Concerts

Bandini Chiacchiaretta Duo - ITALIA/Mexico

Giampaolo Bandini – Cesare Chiacchiaretta Duo, guitar and bandoneon, formed in 2002 pursuing the clear aim to propose Argentine music through the charm and magic of its most representative instruments. The duo immediately became an important point of reference in the international concert circuit thanks to their great communicativeness joined to an extraordinary charisma. Invited by the most important festivals and theatres in the world, they have toured in Mexico, Romania, China, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, Croatia, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey, the Czech Republic and Hungary meeting outstanding critical and audience approval.The duo had the privilege to play Astor Piazzolla’s Double Concerto “Hommage a Liegi” conducted by Maestro Leo Brouwer at the Auditorium Paganini of Parma and for the Unione Musicale of Turin with the renowned Moscow Virtuosi chamber orchestra conducted by Pavel Berman. In 2004 Bandini – Chiacchiaretta Duo was awarded the 15th “Beniamino Joppolo” Citta di Patti Prize (in the province of Messina, Italy) for remarkable artistic achievements in the field of music.In 2005 the duo made their debut in the prestigious Grand Hall of Saint Petersburg Academic Philarmonic achieving such great success that they were immediately asked to play for the following two years. Their peculiarity of living music to the full and without boundaries leads them to work together with prominent artists such as Arnoldo Foa, Elio delle Storie Tese, Amanda Sandrelli and musicians such as Fernando Suarez Paz, Michele Pertusi, Corrado Giuffredi, Danilo Rossi, Massimo Quarta, Enrico Bronzi, Franca Masu, Maria Estela Monti, Enrico Fagone and many others.Their first CD “Hombres de Tango” sold more than ten thousand copies and was greeted with great enthusiasm by the critics. They have recorded for the most important radio and television broadcasters in Italy and abroad.Recently, a concert held in Brussels was broadcast via satellite in more than twenty countries. As teachers, they are requested by the most renowned Academies and Universities and hold classes at the Institutes of Higher Education “Luigi Boccherini” in Lucca and “Tito Schipa” in Lecce as well as at the Summer Festivals of Gubbio and Portogruaro. Saturday, July 16, 4:00 & 7:30 PMMexican American Cultural CenterALL TANGO PROGRAM:Featuring music by, Maximo Diego Pujol, Angel Villodo, Paulo Bellinatt, and Astor Piazzolla

Joe Burke Book Release, Irish Willie Clancy Summer School – Ireland

The Willie Clancy Summer School, established in 1973 in memory of the late uilleann piper Willie Clancy, takes place in Milltown Malbay, County Clare, from July 2nd to 10th. Nearly 1,000 students from around the world attend classes taught by experts in Irish music and dancing, including tuition in the diatonic button accordion, melodeon, Anglo concertina and harmonica.

Button accordionist Joe Burke, one of the legends of Irish music, has produced ‘The Joe Burke Traditional Irish Music Book’, which contains his arrangements of 105 traditional tunes. The book includes three CDs, with all the tunes played by Joe Burke, at various speeds and including ornamentation and variations, suitable for all instruments. A book launch takes place on Sunday July 3rd on the second day of the Summer School.

Catskills Irish Arts Week set for July 10-16 - USA

The 2011 Annual Catskills Irish Arts Week (CIAW) will take place July10 to 16 in East Durham under the auspices of the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Centre, upstate New York.

The Arts Week offers classes in a wide variety of Irish art forms, culture, and music. Classes for bellows instruments include: concertina, button accordion, piano accordion plus classes for all traditional Irish instruments and Irish dancing. There are many tutors coming from Ireland.

The CIAW aims to give musicians and dancers a chance to learn and perform with their fellow artists. The visual arts and a variety of crafts have been included in the Arts Week for more than a decade.

The Arts Week concludes with the Andy McGann Traditional Irish Music Festival on Saturday, July 16th. It is still the biggest assembly of traditional Irish musicians and dancers performing in North America with more than 100 artists scheduled to appear.

“These are two different programs,” explains Amijai Shalev. “The first, in which we are joined by tango dancers Ronen Hayat and Maya Schwartz, is more intimate. It is for those who want to hear tango of different styles and periods as it sounds in cafes of Buenos Aires.

The second is for those who prefer a big symphonic sound. It is like you take music from the street and bring it to a symphony hall – it both gains and loses and takes on a new aspect. We perform Astor Piazzola’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, especially arranged for quartet and orchestra.

CD/VIDEO/Book (New/Reviews/Presentations)

Caladh Nua – new CD “next stop” and July tours - Canada

Caladh is an old Irish word meaning "Harbour" or "Shelter place". Caladh Nua means a "New Harbour" or "New Shelter place". Caladh Nua could also refer to a new comfortable place where music and song sets a warm lovely atmosphere. With all this in mind, this is "Caladh Nua", the traditional Irish band. This very unique band was founded in early 2009. Like many of the great Irish traditional bands Caladh Nua simply formed as a result of some great musicians crossing paths, realising a special connection and then wanting to share it with the world audience. The ensemble comprises of five extremely talented musicians from three beautiful regions in Ireland, counties Carlow, Waterford and Kilkenny. The tasteful musical arrangements of Caladh Nua include traditional Irish dance music, traditional songs alongside some more recently composed pieces. Caladh Nua has a perfect balance between innovation and preservation of Irelands wonderful music and song tradition, the band's special repertoire and energy is guaranteed to capture an audience of any generation. July 1 - 3: Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Canso Novia Scotia, Canada